There are many factors involved with choosing the right lubricant for your intimate adventures. Let us help you with our guide to personal lubricants!
The first time I went into an adult shop, I didn’t understand why there were so many lubes available. Having now worked in a sex shop, I can totally understand why.
There are Many Factors When Considering Lubes
So many factors involved with choosing the right lubricant for your intimate adventures. Hopefully this post helps narrow that down for you.
While researching specific numbers and ingredients for this, I found numerous science-based blogs already out there about this. But they were all outside of Australia and talk about a lot of lubes not often found in adult shops.
Slippery When Wet – A Guide To Personal Lubricants
Can’t I just use one lube?
Well, yes. And no. Given that you’re reading this, and not simply buying cheap lube from the supermarket, chances are you are having bad reactions to the cheap stuff, or you require something for a more specific reason.
So what is you want your lube for?
Fit for Purpose – Slippery When Wet
There are a ton of lube brands out there, and a variety of different bases (water, silicone, etc). First step is making sure you know exactly what you’re hoping to get from your lube purchase.
This guide will help point out the best solution for your needs, be they for vaginal, anal or oral sex, or when playing with toys.
Vaginal Intercourse
Often lubrication isn’t needed for vaginal sex.
But there are a number of reasons a vagina may not be as slippery as usual with factors such as health issues, medications including birth control, cancer treatments, smoking STIs, low libido.
Having less sex than you’re used to, stress, fatigue, menopause, sensitivity to chemicals, and dehydration (which is where alcohol comes in to play).
Looking at Vaginal PH Levels
Beyond this requirement for hydration, the next thing to be looked at is your vaginal pH levels, your flora. And how it may be reacting to your current lube and causing itching, burning, pain or a manner of such ill effects.
Your pH levels can be easily worked out with a kit available from the chemist.
While I won’t go into the importance of why, you can read up a sciencey page about vaginal pH levels over here. But simply, pH is a scale of acidity from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most basic.
A typical vaginal pH level is around 3.8-4.5, acidic enough to fight away nasty bacteria, right up to about 7 on the pH scale.
Why does this matter about lube?
I’m glad you asked. The easiest answer is that anything added can affect these pH levels. It can lead to an assortment of health issues such as Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush, as well as being more prone to catching an STI.
So top choice for vaginal intercourse is a silicone based lubricant, with its fewer ingredients it is less likely to lead to osmolality.
By not absorbing into your skin, and instead creating a layer on top of your skin, silicone lube lasts a lot longer than water based lubes.
Silicone based lube is also safe to use with condoms, and in fact is typically what is used for pre-lubed condoms to stay slippery when wet.
To ensure that flora is kept in balance, look to Pjur Woman, specifically designed to do exactly that. If you’re not overly sensitive, run with SuperSlyde or the Pjur Original Bodyglide.
You might think they seem expensive, but you’ll use a lot less of these ones than you would with your supermarket brands (typically water based anyway).
Why would you use water based lubes for vaginal sex then?
First up, if you’re using (most) toys, silicone lube will start to damage your favourite toy (see below).
Silicone lube, by being such a great, long lasting product that can even be used in the shower. Also has that as a deterrent to some: it can take some time to clean up.
Water based lube on the other hand is easy to wash off, or can be left to absorb completely into the skin.
Although a clean up after is highly recommended to get rid of latex residue if using condoms. Or to wash away semen as sperm likes to thrive in a higher pH level.
Avoid flavoured or warming lubricants in vaginal sex.
Sugars (glycerine) in flavoured lubes don’t belong there, and warming lubes will seriously throw out your osmolality.
Anal Intercourse – Slippery When Wet
The Anal pH levels however sit fairly neutral, around 6-7 and remain that way regardless of hormonal cycles or age.
But unlike a vagina, the anus produces no lubricant, so a pain-free experience enjoyed by both will always require this to be added.
Once again, long lasting silicone based lube is the best option here. SuperSlyde and Pjur Original Bodyglide are decent for this, however Pjur does have a specific range for back door play.
Both Pjur Analyse Me and Pjur BackDoor have a relaxing silicone anal glide line, thicker than their standard range for a longer lasting lpay time.
So what’s the difference between the two?
Pjur BackDoor range is aimed at gay men, with a higher concentration of the main ingredients, designed for a more ‘rigorous’ session.
Both of these products also contain natural, relaxing jojoba. I often try to steer folks away from anal numbing lubes and gels, as pain is there for a reason. To let your body know that maybe you’re pushing things a little to far too fast.
By not using numbing gels, it means your body can feel pain. But provided you let yourself relax, and build up to the penetration, then things should go smoothly.
Which is where the jojoba comes into play.
While it’s not a numbing ingredient, it is a relaxant and jojoba was originally used by Native Americans to treat burns and skin ailments. As well as taken by pregnant women to assist with childbirth.
There are also some great water based lube options for anal play. I’ve listed them below in the toy section.
Though they can still be used for regular anal penetration if you were after something a little easier to clean up or something slightly cheaper.
Oral Sex – Slippery When Wet
As your mouth is already pretty good at generating lubrication in the form of saliva, the most common idea behind oral lubes is to add flavour.
I should probably clarify here, that by oral sex I’m referring to felatio, as again, these sugary lubes aren’t good for vaginas.
Not all flavours are created equal, just as ice cream flavours vary widely between brands. So straight off the bat here, I’m not talking about those flavours you maybe got at a supermarket or at an adult shop many years ago.
No, here we’re talking about the good stuff.
I really can’t go past the Wicked Aqua range of flavoured lubes here.
Since there are testers at work, I can say I’ve tried them all and Wicked wins hands down every time (perhaps with the exception of Jo Gelato TiraMisu – mind blowing!)
Sometimes when I’m offering the testers to customers, they are hesitant to actually taste them, given that they are indeed lubes.
But when I tell them that at Sexpo they were being served up on ice cream, that usually sets them well along the path to tasting a good few of them.
My Favourites
From their range, my favourite would be Wicked Aqua Cinnamon Bun. Essentially, it’s a liquid donut (mm, maybe I should add some to my next coffee?)
There are others in this spectrum, like Mocha Java and Vanilla Bean. On the fruitier side, they have Pomegranate, Sweet Peach, Candy Apple and Cherry Cordial (though those last two are super sweet!)
They also just released three new wicked (pun intended) flavours. Watermelon, Strawberry and Cherry (not as sweet as the cordial version).
Toy Play – Slippery When Wet
When it comes to toy play, there is generally one hard and fast rule. Only water based lubes can be used on silicone toys, even if the toy isn’t 100% silicone.
Why?
Simple – silicone lube can weaken and destroy silicone toys causing them to tear.
Thankfully, there are a lot of great water based lubes on the market (and some really shit ones too), whether or vaginal or anal toy play.
Intimate Earth has a great range of lubes and massage oils.
A natural, water based product without parabens or glycerin. For a more sensitive vagina, Intimate Earth Defense is a protection glide designed specifically with a woman’s flora in mind.
Pjur also has multiple water based lubricants
Although with over 20 years in the game, are definitely the go-to brand.
Not only do they have Pjur Aqua, they also have Pjur Aqua Basic. A lighter formula at a more affordable price to allow their customers a preiview of their range.
For vaginal play, the Pjur Woman range is all about keeping those pH levels balanced and have a few great offerings in the water based range. Pjur Woman Aqua is a classic, long lasting water based lubricant for use with all toys.
Nude is designed for the more sensitive ones, containing no glycerin, parabens or preservatives. They also have a Vegan and Aloe Vera range in the water based lubes.
Both of the above companies, Pjur and Intimate Earth, have water based anal specific lubes on offer.
Pjur Analyse Me Comfort Water Anal Glide has an enriched moisturising solution. Also contains hyaluron, increasing the viscosity of the lube without bringing in the stickiness.
Intimate Earth Soothe is also viscous, almost to the point of being a gel and is paraben-free, DEA-free, condom and toy safe, and even completely vegan.
Not all toys only need water based lubes.
Toys made from steel, aluminium, ceramic, glass, wood or stone are all compatible with silicone. With steel products, I’d always recommend using Surgilube.
Sure, there are heaps of different lubes out there, and some are a lot cheaper than the ones I’ve listed. But if you’re using a product to go where the sun don’t shine, do you really want to skimp on that?
Just as you don’t want to use a toy with phthalates, you sure don’t want to put other impurities into your system.
A final note about searching for a lubricant that doesn’t affect your flora.
Most manufacturers and sciencey blogs out there suggest applying a little below your armpit and wearing that for a while to see if you have any adverse reactions to the new lube.
Get the most comprehensive range of lubricants at the adult lifestyle centers.
Wet Stuff Secrets Lubricant
Already a revolution in the intimate world. It is made specifically for special and natural personal lubrication to allow one to fully enjoy sexual relationships.
Thanks to its light texture and its silicone base it comes into play not only during contact with each other sexually. But also makes a great massage or water-barrier.
It is a long lasting option for everyone who wants to get slippery when wet.
Wet Stuff will surprise you with how good it is for the price plus it just contains low molecular grade and medical grade silicon.
Silicone does not get absorbed by the body and diluted by water so you can use it for anal purposes, too.
Not to mention, it is has not taste or color. You will be blown away by this innovative lubricant.
Enjoy its mild and pleasant warmth when massaging it on your lovers body as part of your foreplay. It is perfect for every encounter.
Be fully prepared to apply on the body, intimate areas like nipples, anal areas, lips, clit, etc there are so many places it suits.
Heat Up Your Relationship – Slippery When Wet
Are you tired of your relationships since they are always the same and want to heat them up?
If you want to break monotony and are seeking for something new, then this is for you- yes! You’re in luck. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover a genuine lubricant.
A new way to ignite the flame of passion and get Slippery When Wet
This is perfect for improving your sex or using sex toys, you should use it with your partner. You can always use this quality lubricant to give a gentle massage.
Good news is, this product is dermatologically tested and it is compatible with latex condoms.
Silicone based lubricant are extraordinary in that their structure is not water based. Which, for all intents and purposes, implies the lube doesn’t dissipate or go away amid use (as all water based ones do).
When they were presented they were a vital other option to oil based, which don’t go away, however do wreck condoms. This silicone lube is condom perfect.
Actually silicone was a material used by condom makers to allow lubricant to be attached to them.
In the mid-1990s lube manufacturers started making silicones personal lubricants due to their resistance to water and longevity without drying up. From that point forward there has been a huge innovation into the quality of it and the quantity available on the market.
Be ready to apply on the body, intimate areas like lips, nipples, clit.
If you like delicate and silky wetness, you will simply love it. Some benefits of using silicone lubrication include the following.
Since these lubes contain no water they last a long time, so they’ll stay smooth for quite a while. Silicone is incredible for individuals with delicate skin.
They can also be used for full body rubs, and they’ll leave your skin delicate, smooth and soft. Great for sex in the shower or hot tub. Texture is silky smooth
Below I have listed some main reasons why people use silicone lubrication during sex and get slippery when wet.
If you simply need to improve things. Regardless of the possibility that you don’t think you require lube, it merits experimenting with a superb universally handy assortment. “Lube just improves sex,” says Notte.
It doesn’t dry out and moisturizes the skin creating a protective barrier. Great for delicate skin
Ideal to use during that ‘time of the month’ as it will ensure that any leaks will not dry out and cause friction . Will not alter the ph or other levels of the vagina
It will act as a protective barrier on the penis reducing the chance of STIs. Increases the stimulation with the silky smooth wetness. Can be used in both foreplay and sex.
When it comes to sex, sometimes we need a little help making things go smoothly. Enter lubricants, also known as personal lubricants or colloquially, lube.
What Are Personal Lubricants?
Sex lubricant types are specialized lubricants that are used by human during their sexual activities to reduce the friction between body parts or between body parts and other objects.
These are used by the people to get the ultimate orgasmic enjoyments during sexual acts like intercourse and masturbatio. And reducing the friction between the penis, vagina, anus and other body parts. These are also used in various kinds of sex toy to ease in penetration by reducing the friction.
Personal Lubricants Can Help for Various Reasons
Lubricant can also make intercourse more comfortable for women with vaginal dryness. This is a common problem that can stem from a variety of causes, including falling estrogen levels at menopause, emotional factors, or certain medications.
It also helps for women who do not naturally moisten when aroused. Lubricant also makes it easier to practice safe sex making it more pleasurable to use condoms. Condom’s are a must for protecting against sexually transmitted diseases.
Types of Personal Lubricants Available
There are various types of sex lubricants available. These can be used by the people to feel the most sensational orgasmic enjoyments during sexual activities. Have a look on different Sex Lubricant Types.
Oil-Based Personal Lubricants
These kinds of lubricants are also known as petroleum-based lubricants. Considered desirable for the people who want to be involved in sexual activities without using condoms and avoiding certain additives & preservatives found in other lubricants.
Oil based is the least used types of lube from anything from baby oil, coconut oil that is very popular, gun oil to petroleum jelly. This is not recommended at all as it is destructive to condoms, damages sperm and has no QC (Quality Control) for use as a sexual lubricant.
I’d advise against using this as a lubricant completely as the damage isn’t worth the risk and would suggest either purchasing a silicone lubricant such as Pjur, Superslyde or a water based such as Wet Stuff or Wet.
The other thing with oil based is that there is more of a tenancy to get thrush or other infections.
Water-Based Personal Lubricants
These lubricants are most widely used sex lubricants. In the past days, these lubricants were glycerin or cellulose ether solutions. But nowadays, there may have different agents added for moisture detention, even dispersal and resistance to contamination.
By adjusting their water content and concentration of cellulose or other gel-forming hydrophilic ingredient, the viscosity of these lubricants can be altered.
Water-based lubricants may be incompatible with sex acts that occur in water like under the shower, in the bathtub or pool because they can be dispersed or dissolved in water.
It is latex friendly, body friendly but not completely anal friendly as it tends to dry up quick. So, multiple applications are usually required depending on what sort of positions you are attempting.
The most known brand is Wet Stuff
It has countless different products all the way from Vitamin E to Caramel flavoured. Even tingling lubricants for extra pleasure.
But the best water-based lubricant on the market in my opinion is Pjur.
It costs a few dollars more but it is also has a cap this is travel friendly. Water based is great all around. I’d only suggest it if you have an allergy to silicone or are just performing vaginal sex or for toy use.
Silicone-Based Personal Lubricants
These are usually made with fewer than four ingredients and do not contain water. It provides different feelings than water-based lubricants.
Silicone-based lubricants have long-lasting duration than water-based lubes because these are not absorbed by skin or mucus membranes. It’s also completely awesome to use in water, whether that be spas, pools, shower, bath and anywhere else involving water!
Will stay on your skin for a long time and once washed off will give you nice soft feeling skin that lasts for hours!
Silicone is fantastic for sex especially anal sex due to the fact that it does not absorb into the body like water based lubricant and lasts longer than traditional water based as well!
Other Uses as Well
Not only is it great for sex but can be used for things like prevention of Eczema, Dermatitis and Split ends of the hair.
For instance Superslyde is fantastic and my favorite lube by far due to the fact that it’s completely condom friendly. Not all silicone lube is. It is completely body friendly and so pure of a silicone that you can actually use it with Silicone toys.
Do not use other silicone lubricant with silicone sex toys as they can cause deterioration.
Fertility Personal Lubricants
These lubricants are also known as sperm-friendly and are specifically made to be safe for use by the couples who are trying to conceive. They are pH-balanced and designed so that they could not affect the body’s electrolyte balance.
Also considered as safe for sperm as they have a specific osmolality range. Fertility lubricants do not harm motility or viability of human sperm as these are non-spermicidal.
Special Personal Lubricants
As the name suggests, these lubricants are formulated for causing a sensation of warmth or cool. So, these are sold together as “cold & hot”. These also come with different flavors to enjoy the oral sex.
Many people get confused when they walk into a huge adult shop like Adultsmart in Sydney to find a labyrinth of Sex Lubricant Types in all colours, shapes and sizes.
Often customers will find themselves reaching for a lubricant which isn’t the best selection for their needs.
5 Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting Personal Lubricants
Does my partner(s) have any allergies?
The first question may sound obvious but it’s very important to ensure that both yourself and/or partner/s don’t have any allergic reactions to any of the ingredients.
A majority of the products on the Australian market are safe. But everybody reacts differently to different lotions and it’s always important to check. As a general rule, water based lubricants are more gentle on the skin than silicone based lubricants.
Will I be using the personal lubricants with a toy or for sex?
I can’t remember the amount of times I’ve had to communicate to my customers the importance of using a water-based lubricant with their sex-toys.
Some adult toys on the market can be used with silicone lube. But most of the popular vibrators for women and male masturbators require water-based formulas.
If the lube is used for sex, will it be vaginal, anal or oral?
One of the main benefits of silicone lubes is that they don’t need to be reapplied as often as water-based lubricants. This makes them perfect for anal sex. Unlike vaginal sex where women’s bodies produce their own natural lubrication, anal sex often requires partners to reapply during intercourse.
SuperSlyde recently was voted the best of all lubricants in Australia at the 2013 Eros Shine Awards. It is a silicone based lubricant that is great for anal sex, body massage, safe with sex toys, used to treat eczema. And even been used by long distance athletes to stop chaffing and rash.
If oral, then what’s your flavour?
Another consideration when making your selection is oral sex. People are often reluctant to buy flavoured lubricant because they feel it’s made exclusively for the tongue.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
A flavoured oral lubricant is completely harmless when used for intercourse. Many people are depriving themselves of an amazing experience due to this misinformation. Although the majority of flavoured lubricants are water-based the choices are endless.
Strawberry, Banana, Watermelon, Grape, Peppermint and the list goes on/
Will it be used in the bath or shower?
Water-based lubricant actually washes off with water alone so it’s not suitable for shower sex or water play. Silicone based lubricant is perfect for intimate moments in the shower or bath. They’re formulated to stay on the skin until washed off with soap and water.
The amount of questions I’ve been asked about Sex Lubricant Types during my years as an adult shop worker in Australia probably outnumbers every other topic.
I hope you’ve found the answers you’ve been looking for.
Sex Toy Materials vs Personal Lubricants/Lube
Going into buying sex toys can be scary enough if you’ve never gone into a sex shop. It shouldn’t be, all workers at the best adult shops in Sydney are amazing, helpful, open minded, They just want you to have good orgasms.
Then faced with all the choices of lubes it can be overwhelming. Not knowing what’s safe with what is another hurdle. So, here are the common materials and what they can be used with, with the added bonus of how they should be stored and cleaned!
Silicone Sex Toy
Smooth, no real smell or taste, some with a silky finish. Medical grade silicone is body-safe and is 100% hypoallergenic with no latex or phthalate.
Lubes
Safe with water-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubes. Extremely high quality is safe with silicone lube, Colours triple density dongs are safe.
Cleaning
100% silicone can be boiled, others should be washed with a toy cleaner!
Glass Sex Toy
Most are made from the same glass as Pyrex. They are heat resistant and shatterproof and are smooth and sturdy and perfect for temperature play. Glass is incredibly skin safe but be sure to check for cracks and fractures before each used!
Lube – Glass is safe with all lubes.
Cleaning – Can be washed with toy cleaner and water, or even thrown in the dishwasher, or boiled.
Plastic Sex Toy
Most commonly made with ABS (the same material as LEGO), used for it’s cheap production value, These toys may be blended with latex and are hard with no distinct smell or taste.
Generally a skin safe material but could be blended with phthalates and latex, which are common allergens and harmful to skin.
Lubes – safe to use with all lube types
Cleaning – can be cleaned with sex toy cleaner, anti-bacterial soap and water, or through boiling.
PVC Sex Toys
Man made plastic, can be hard or more flexible. It has an intense plastic smell and more often than not contains phthalates and latex so isn’t the most body-safe option in the world.
Lubes
This material should be used with water-based lubes only, as oil and silicone can melt the material.
Cleaning
Rigid PVC is non-porous and very easy to clean. Flexible PVC can be porous so may be harder to clean. Store these toys away from other materials and preferably in their own casing to avoid chemical reactions and damage to toys.
TPE Sex Toys
The material used to create Real Feel, Cyberskin, Softskin, or Ultraskin. Frequently used for male masturbators. Realistically fleshlike, warms to the touch and incredibly flexible.
Due to it’s softness it isn’t a great option for vibrators as it can weaken vibrations. Can tend to have a rubbery smell and taste.
TPE is non-toxic but is porous so it’s prone to bacterial growth, and can be mixed with product softeners which can be allergens. Lubes – use water-based only with this material.
Cleaning
As this is a porous material it can be hard to clean. It is best to use just water and a toy cleaner. This should be kept away from other toys in storage to be on the safe side.
Any discolouration can be a sign of growing mould in the pores of the material, so throw it away. These toys should be replaced every 5 months.
Metal Sex Toys
Usually made from medical grade stainless steel. They can occasionally be mixed with other metals (such as nickel WHICH SOME PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO), so be sure to check this.
These toys are rigid and smooth but perfect for temperature play, higher densities are good for weighted and pressure play.
Lubes – all lubes are safe to be used with metal!
Cleaning
This is a non-porous material which makes cleaning a breeze, toy cleaner, soap, dishwasher, or boiling all work.
Wood Sex Toys
If made correctly these toys are beautifully smooth with a non-toxic resin coating to prevent splinters. The weight and look will depend on what kind of wood was used to create the toy.
If made correctly these toys are super body safe and environmentally friendly. Some manufacturers use scrap wood which is great for conserving rainforests.
Lubes – wood is safe with all lubes. Due to it’s smooth finish you only need a small amount.
Cleaning – best washed with just water to prolong life. Be sure to check for any damage before and after each use.
Rubber Sex Toys
One of the cheapest materials. It will be flexible with a very strong rubber smell and chemical taste.
To ensure body safety it is strongly recommended to use a condom with rubber toys as they often contain phthalates which can be harmful to the skin. They have produced body safe rubber recently but it is not widespread.
Lubes – it is best used with just water-based. But if using a condom with rubber silicone is okay to be used.
Cleaning – best washed with soap and water and stored away from other materials just to avoid chemical reaction with other toys.
My personal favourite lube
Wicked Hybrid as it’s super vagina friendly and can be used with most toy materials out there. It has the benefits of the longevity and silkiness of a silicone lube, but the easy cleanup of a water-based!
Leave a Reply